$100k salary, packing up from Madison
changea dispatch from
boulder
CO
40.01°N
105.27°W
Boulder is the Flatirons rising right behind town, the Pearl Street Mall pedestrian shopping, and a population that runs more, climbs more, and bikes more than basically any other American city. CU keeps it young, the foothills keep it active, and the food scene leans organic-virtuous. The access to the Rockies is unmatched and the sunshine is relentless, and locals invest in the city like it's a lifestyle, not just an address.
the verdict
the monthly cost of moving past Madison
Boulder costs meaningfully more. Whether it earns that back in the day-to-day is the actual question.
a quick ledger.
$2,216/mo
32% more expensive than Madison(vs $1,673/mo)
4.4%
$156/mo less in state tax than Madison
vs 6.27% in Madison
$5,751/mo
$387 less than Madison
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$783k
69% more expensive than Madison
vs $465k in Madison
327k
vs 694k in Madison
field notes, weather & such.
178
pleasant days a year, in boulder.
Madison keeps to 147 pleasant days a year.
Madison hosts 6.7× more events.
79/100
18% higher than Madison
vs 67/100 in Madison
Closest outdoor draw: Rocky Mountain National Park, 23.2 mi.
84/100
5% lower than Madison
vs 88/100 in Madison
169
1436% more than Madison
vs 11 nonstops in Madison
if boulder appeals, also worth a look:
compare boulder with:
